If you’re in the market to purchase a house and have been searching for your dream home, remember that it’s still important to pay attention to the HVAC system amongst all the other things you will be looking for when you are in the middle of touring a prospective home. A properly functioning and well-maintained HVAC system will keep you comfortable and safe all year round. So, do you know what red flags to watch for? Thankfully, even if you are not a trained HVAC technician, there are ways to easily identify issues when viewing a potential home. To make it easier on you, Huber Heights Heating & Cooling has compiled a list of five warning signs (or red flags) that all homebuyers can watch out for.
RED FLAG ONE: AN AGED OR ORIGINAL HVAC SYSTEM
If you’re considering an older home, it’s important to be wary if it still has the original heating and cooling units installed. Original systems in older houses tend to be less energy-efficient and more prone to problems. Though that may not always be the case, you should still pay close attention to the age and condition of the HVAC system, even if it’s not the original one. Most HVAC units will have the manufacturing date written on a label on the side of the unit. But if you have a hard time locating it, try to visually examine the HVAC units for signs of proper maintenance, age, etc. instead. Just keep in mind inspecting the unit visually will not provide an exact age of the system but will give you a general idea of its age and condition.
For instance, should you see a lot of dust buildup or corrosion on the HVAC unit, this could be a sign that it hasn’t been well maintained over the years. Remember that an older unit isn’t necessarily bad, but since these systems usually last between 15-20 years, you might need to replace the heating or cooling unit (or both) soon. Ultimately, this could be a good bargaining point if you decide to buy the house.
RED FLAG TWO: IRREGULAR AIR REGULATION
Inconsistent air regulation throughout the home can cause significant temperature variations from room to room. When assessing each space to decide if the house is suitable for your family’s needs, try to take a moment to analyze the temperature in each room. Check if one room is stuffy or if there is a draft. Inconsistent air regulation can happen due to various reasons, so watch out for this red flag ahead of time, so you can plan accordingly.
RED FLAG THREE: UNWELCOME ODORS
If you notice a musty or stale smell coming from the HVAC vents, this is another thing you may want to consider. A duct cleaning or diagnostic may be required to pinpoint the cause of the odors.
RED FLAG FOUR: LOUD NOISES
Another important thing to be on the alert for is any unusual sounds coming from the HVAC system, as they may indicate underlying issues like loose parts or worn-out components, etc. So, should you notice loud or rattling sounds, or any other unsettling sounds, this is yet another thing of which you will want to be aware.
RED FLAG FIVE: INADEQUATE HVAC RECORDS
Finally, if you are still interested in buying the home after the tour, we recommend that you ask for the HVAC system’s history, including its installation, maintenance, and repairs. Inadequate records imply negligence towards the system, making it hard to evaluate its history and possible problems – another major warning sign. Additionally, excessive repairs to a particular unit should also be taken into account as a red flag.
THE SOLUTION: AN HVAC INSPECTION
It is important to keep in mind that the red flags mentioned are not reasons to completely avoid going for your dream home but rather reasons to pay extra attention and possibly negotiate for better terms that will benefit you. Speaking with a licensed HVAC professional for their expert opinion on the condition of the system and any potential issues will be in your best interests.
Luckily, we provide an HVAC inspection service where one of our NATE-certified technicians can visit the home, thoroughly inspect the HVAC system, and provide a detailed analysis of its condition. The analysis may include suggestions for repairs or upgrades if needed. (This usually can be negotiated into the terms and arranged by the homeowner if you decide to move forward with the house.) Remember, even though doing so may feel like an unnecessary step, knowing the condition of an HVAC system in a potential home you may be moving into is imperative for you to prepare and plan appropriately.
If you have any questions or concerns, or if you need a dependable local HVAC company, you can call your own, you can reach Huber Heights Heating & Cooling at (937) 226-9675 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
